Going Green in Your Hunt for Home
May 24, 2019
Long gone are the days when solar panels or geothermal heating capabilities were thought of as extreme or bizarre home features. Now, many potential buyers are wanting to go beyond the the green home basics and are on the hunt for more sophisticated energy efficiency. Whether it’s a way to save money, to help the planet, or both, knowing details about green upgrades can be valuable for potential buyers and sellers alike!
You wouldn’t be hard-pressed to find potential buyers looking for great energy efficiency, and energy efficiency is one of the staples of a green home. According to the US Green Building Council, nationwide, the typical household spends about $2,150 on residential energy bills each year, whereas LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified homes use about 30 to 60 percent less energy. This translates to thousands of dollars in cost savings during the average seven year span a family owns a particular home and a major point of interest to anyone considering purchasing. If LEED certification is out, look for Energy Star appliances, which are nearly ubiquitous in new builds and help reduce energy usage and utility bills.
If you are looking to upgrade, possible green additions range in price and ease of installation, from extremely affordable and low-hassle like programmable thermostats (which can run as cheap as $40) and LED bulbs, to more costly additions, like energy efficient windows, tankless water heaters, or new insolation (which is often extremely difficult and expensive to upgrade once a home is already built).
More and more buyers are perking up at the thought of the lower environmental footprint their home could have, and if that’s something your home can tout, you will certainly stand out from the competition. If finding or listing a green home is of particular importance to you, be sure to visit an MLS like Viva Green Homes or Green Home Guide to search for or list eco and energy efficient homes around the country.
No matter where your search takes you, know that Beltmann can help meet all of your moving needs once the time comes.
Popular Posts
January 31, 2024
January 30, 2024
January 25, 2024
